The Unity of Virtue and Body: Moral Realization in Mencius’ Theory of Embodying Virtue
Mencius’ “Theory of Embodying Virtue 踐形說” is an important theory that combines moral cultivation and physical practice, emphasizing that virtue is externalized and realized through concrete physical actions. This paper explores the theoretical foundation of the “Theory of Embodying Virtue 踐形說”, exam...
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2025-01-01
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| author | Siyuan Jiang Pinghua Liu |
| author_facet | Siyuan Jiang Pinghua Liu |
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| description | Mencius’ “Theory of Embodying Virtue 踐形說” is an important theory that combines moral cultivation and physical practice, emphasizing that virtue is externalized and realized through concrete physical actions. This paper explores the theoretical foundation of the “Theory of Embodying Virtue 踐形說”, examining its internal connections with Mencius’ doctrines of “Innate Goodness”, “Four Beginnings 四端”, and “Nurturing Qi 養氣”. Through self-cultivation, individuals can gradually transform their inner virtues into outward behaviors, ultimately achieving the unity of virtue and the body. This not only serves as an essential path for personal moral cultivation but also embodies the Confucian moral ideal. Additionally, the paper analyzes the contemporary significance of the “Theory of Embodying Virtue” from the perspectives of modern ethics and body philosophy, particularly in terms of its implications for moral education, the improvement of social ethics, and the shaping of leaders’ moral images. By conducting an in-depth discussion, this paper reveals that Mencius’ “Theory of Embodying Virtue” still holds significant theoretical and practical value in contemporary society. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2077-1444 |
| language | English |
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| series | Religions |
| spelling | doaj-art-8f0cc90ac1314482b0d3806fc2ddd8a52025-01-24T13:47:28ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442025-01-011615910.3390/rel16010059The Unity of Virtue and Body: Moral Realization in Mencius’ Theory of Embodying VirtueSiyuan Jiang0Pinghua Liu1School of General Education, Guangdong University of Science and Technology, Dongguan 523419, ChinaSchool of General Education, Guangdong University of Science and Technology, Dongguan 523419, ChinaMencius’ “Theory of Embodying Virtue 踐形說” is an important theory that combines moral cultivation and physical practice, emphasizing that virtue is externalized and realized through concrete physical actions. This paper explores the theoretical foundation of the “Theory of Embodying Virtue 踐形說”, examining its internal connections with Mencius’ doctrines of “Innate Goodness”, “Four Beginnings 四端”, and “Nurturing Qi 養氣”. Through self-cultivation, individuals can gradually transform their inner virtues into outward behaviors, ultimately achieving the unity of virtue and the body. This not only serves as an essential path for personal moral cultivation but also embodies the Confucian moral ideal. Additionally, the paper analyzes the contemporary significance of the “Theory of Embodying Virtue” from the perspectives of modern ethics and body philosophy, particularly in terms of its implications for moral education, the improvement of social ethics, and the shaping of leaders’ moral images. By conducting an in-depth discussion, this paper reveals that Mencius’ “Theory of Embodying Virtue” still holds significant theoretical and practical value in contemporary society.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/1/59MenciusTheory of Embodying Virtue 踐形說moral cultivationbodily practiceConfucian ethics |
| spellingShingle | Siyuan Jiang Pinghua Liu The Unity of Virtue and Body: Moral Realization in Mencius’ Theory of Embodying Virtue Religions Mencius Theory of Embodying Virtue 踐形說 moral cultivation bodily practice Confucian ethics |
| title | The Unity of Virtue and Body: Moral Realization in Mencius’ Theory of Embodying Virtue |
| title_full | The Unity of Virtue and Body: Moral Realization in Mencius’ Theory of Embodying Virtue |
| title_fullStr | The Unity of Virtue and Body: Moral Realization in Mencius’ Theory of Embodying Virtue |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Unity of Virtue and Body: Moral Realization in Mencius’ Theory of Embodying Virtue |
| title_short | The Unity of Virtue and Body: Moral Realization in Mencius’ Theory of Embodying Virtue |
| title_sort | unity of virtue and body moral realization in mencius theory of embodying virtue |
| topic | Mencius Theory of Embodying Virtue 踐形說 moral cultivation bodily practice Confucian ethics |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/1/59 |
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